I am a minister, photographer, retreat leader, author and Quaker -- albeit one who's not always good at being a good Quaker. I am the author of "Awaken Your Senses," "Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality," "Mind the Light: Learning to See with Spiritual Eyes" and "Sacred Compass: The Path of Spiritual Discernment" (foreword by Richard Foster).
This blog is a compendium of writing, photography, seriousness and silliness -- depending on my mood.

Sunday, July 08, 2018

Why I Joined William Barber & the Poor People's Campaign

On Thursday I posted that I had just heard William Barber of the Poor People's Campaign (@UniteThePoor) and Moral Mondays issue a call for a moral revival of America.

I was so moved I joined the Poor People's Campaign and am supporting it financially, as well. William Barber talked about how the power structure of much of American politics is "mean" -- and hurting the poorest among us. He back his premise up with with facts and figures -- including the economic cost to our country of NOT helping "the least of these."

As he said, this is not a Republican issue or Democrat issue-- though my friends who are Republicans will probably not like some of strong words he has about the present administration and congressional leaders. And some of what he said could have been applied, in my opinion, about the Obama, Bush, and Clinton administrations. This is a moral issue for people of faith to consider.

I especially liked that he said that this must be a united movement -- not just about lifting the poor, but also working for women's rights, defeating racism, saving the environment, ensuring LBGQT rights and safety, working for peace, et al as these are all interrelated and each impacts the others. A house divided against itself cannot stand, as Lincoln said, and too much of America is divided. Those of us who are are concerned about the above must unite. We must work together -- and not overly criticize the methods and approaches we choose to undertake this task. I have friends who are very activist and "in-your-face" as they speak truth to power. I applaud and support them. That, though is not my call. I will work with the Poor People's Campaign and other efforts in gentler way. I want to speak truth to power -- but I want to do it love -- in a way that doesn't hurt my soul while still hopefully speaking to that of God in those of power.

Again, I agree with William Barber that this is not a Republican issue, a Democrat issue, a women's issue, an environmentalist issue, a men's issue, etc. It is an American issue -- calling us to remember the best vision of those who came before us for our country. I know we are a pluralistic society -- not exclusively Christian (not that we ever were!) -- but I do think the best vision of what the United States could be is In Matthew 5:14, when Jesus tells his listeners, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."

May we all work to be that light -- by following the Light and looking for that of God in others and ourselves. May God bless our efforts.

2 comments:

For some reason, I've not heard anything about this Poor People's Campaign, but then with the debacle of Christianity and politics of the past many months,I've been taking a break from the news mostly.

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About Me

I'm a Quaker who's just not very good at being a good Quaker -- I'm not always who aren't always peaceable, humble, kind, loving, truthful like someone who is a Friend should be. I'm also an author, minister, retreat leader, and photographer and I live in rural Indiana.